Network topologies represent how computers are interconnected to form a network. There are five main network topology types - mesh, star, bus, ring, and hybrid - and each offers unique advantages and disadvantages that technicians need to be aware of. In this course, you'll explore the five topologies in detail and learn when to implement each. You’ll learn about computer networks such as local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and wide area networks. Next, you explore other computer network types including peer-to-peer, client/server, wireless local area network, personal area network, and campus area network. You'll examine Multiprotocol Label Switching and how it can be used as an efficient alternative to traditional Internet Protocol routing. Lastly, you'll learn about common service related entry points, virtual networking concepts, and the common network provider links such as satellite, digital subscriber line, cable, leased line, and metro-optical
recognize the essential components of a mesh topology
outline the purpose and characteristics of the star topology
describe the components of a bus topology
recognize when to implement a ring topology
recognize the benefits of using a hybrid topology
differentiate between a local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and wide area network (WAN)
outline the purpose and characteristics of other computer network types including wireless local area network (WLAN), personal area network (PAN), and campus area network (CAN)
outline the purpose and characteristics of peer-to-peer and client/server networks
recognize the benefits of using a storage area network (SAN)
outline the purpose and characteristics of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
recognize when to use Multipoint Generic Routing Encapsulation (mGRE)
outline common provider links and describe their purpose
differentiate between satellite and metro-optical
differentiate between demarcation points and smartjacks
recognize when to use vSwitch, virtual network interface card (vNIC), network function virtualization (NFV), and hypervisor